Mediterranean Greek Chicken Harvest Bowl with Cranberries & Blue Cheese
This Mediterranean Greek Chicken Harvest Bowl with Cranberries & Blue Cheese is a hearty, balanced meal that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one vibrant bowl. Tender grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and quinoa form the base, while dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and creamy blue cheese add texture and richness. Finished with a simple balsamic honey-Dijon dressing, it’s a satisfying mix of Mediterranean freshness and cozy fall-inspired warmth. Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or an easy weeknight dinner, this bowl is colorful, nourishing, and full of flavor.
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
2 grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash (cubed)
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa
Prepare quinoa according to package directions (typically 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water). Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Roast the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until tender and golden.
Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Bowl
In each serving bowl, layer baby spinach or mixed greens, followed by quinoa, roasted vegetables, sliced chicken, dried cranberries, blue cheese, red onions, and toasted nuts.
Dress and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the top and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Tips
Chicken Choice: Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Cheese Options: If blue cheese is too strong, swap for feta or goat cheese for a milder Mediterranean touch.
Quinoa Alternatives: Brown rice, couscous, or farro also work beautifully for different textures.
Layering Tip: Keep the greens at the bottom if serving immediately; for meal prep, keep dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
Toasting Nuts: Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes until fragrant—it deepens their flavor and adds crunch.
Variations
Mediterranean Citrus Bowl:
Replace balsamic dressing with a lemon-garlic vinaigrette and add orange segments for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
Vegan Version:
Skip the chicken and blue cheese. Add chickpeas or roasted tofu for protein and use maple syrup in the dressing.
Greek-Inspired Bowl:
Add chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta for a more classic Greek flavor profile.
Autumn Harvest Style:
Include roasted Brussels sprouts or apples along with the sweet potatoes for a cozy, fall-inspired bowl.
Spicy Touch:
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or drizzle a bit of hot honey over the finished bowl for a sweet-spicy balance.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes. Store all components separately, especially the dressing. Assemble the bowls just before eating. The ingredients keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Q: What can I use instead of blue cheese?
Feta, goat cheese, or even shaved Parmesan are excellent substitutes.
Q: Can I make it without quinoa?
Absolutely. Try cauliflower rice or mixed greens as the base for a lighter, lower-carb option.
Q: What kind of chicken works best?
Grilled chicken adds smoky depth, but pan-seared or baked chicken works just as well. You can even use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Q: How can I make the dressing creamier?
Blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini for a creamy, tangy version of the vinaigrette.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 490
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 420mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Greek Chicken Harvest Bowl with Cranberries & Blue Cheese is a complete meal that’s both comforting and fresh. The combination of tender chicken, roasted vegetables, nutty grains, and a tangy-sweet dressing creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or sitting down to a relaxed dinner, this bowl brings together wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean flavors in every bite—simple, nourishing, and absolutely satisfying.